Lamar men's basketball breezes by UTEP

Matt Faye
| on November 27, 2017

Photo: Ryan Pelham

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Lamar forward Colton Weisbrod is introduced with the starting lineup before the Cardinals play Southeastern Louisiana in the Southland Conference tournament at the Merrell Center in Katy on Wednesday evening.Lamar forward Colton Weisbrod is introduced with the starting lineup before the Cardinals play Southeastern Louisiana in the Southland Conference tournament at the Merrell Center in Katy on Wednesday evening. Photo taken Wednesday 3/8/17 Ryan Pelham/The Enterprise

The Lamar men's basketball team stayed unbeaten on the road this season with a 66-52 win over UTEP on Monday at the Don Haskins Center in El Paso, Texas.

Lamar never trailed in the contest, scoring the first 13 points of the game to immediately take control. The Cardinals led by 20 points at halftime and held off UTEP (1-5) in the second half to cruise to a double-digit victory.

Even while shooting over 50 percent from the field in the first half, Lamar coach Tic Price said defense was the key to the fast start.

"At the end of the day, we held them to 32 percent from the field in the opening half and just 33 percent for the game," Price said. "We always try to play the percentages on defense and that is where we want to hold opponents. I'm most proud of Zjori Bosha's performance on defense. Keith Frazier is a big-time scorer and Zjori held him to four points on 2-of-10 shooting. I'm real happy for these guys tonight."

Bosha finished with 18 points and 11 rebounds to go along with his defensive effort that impressed Price. Josh Nzeakor had a double-double of his own, posting 15 points and 12 boards.

After the game, UTEP coach Tim Floyd announced his retirement.

The win moved Lamar to 5-1 overall, equaling its best start since the 2008-09 season. The Cardinals will be back on the road Saturday when they take on Coastal Carolina.